契機

• Reading: けいき
• Romaji: keiki
• Kanji breakdown: 契 (kei) — pledge, engrave; 機 (ki) — opportunity, machine
• Pronunciation: /ke.i.ki/

Meaning

Opportunity; turning point; catalyst. A moment or event that triggers change or development.

A noun referring to a pivotal moment that leads to a significant change. More formal than きっかけ (trigger/cue). Often used with を契機に (taking this as an opportunity/catalyst) to describe events that prompted a shift. Common in news, essays, and formal writing.

Examples

1. 留学を契機に英語が上達した。 Studying abroad was the catalyst for my English improving.
2. その事件が社会変革の契機となった。 That incident became the catalyst for social reform.
3. あの経験が私の人生の契機だったと思う。 I think that experience was the turning point in my life.

Usage Guide

Context: news, essays, personal growth

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 契 (pledge, agreement, engrave) and 機 (machine, opportunity, moment). The combination suggests a decisive moment that sets things into motion.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal